Dugu Yan's Commission

The evening breeze brushed his face as the last sliver of sunlight wedged itself between the mountain pass's jagged teeth.

A spirit ring shimmered atop the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul. Ning Rongrong completed her absorption, opened her eyes, stretched lazily, and rose to her feet, her excitement unconcealed.

"Rongrong is a true soul master now."

Noticing her surroundings, Ning Rongrong asked with curiosity, "Where is everyone? Why are there so few people?"

Qin Yuan smiled and explained, "Their mission was complete, so they left early."

GOOGLE SEARCH TWKAN

Ning Rongrong didn't press further. Caught up in the thrill of obtaining her spirit ring, why would she care about such trivial matters?

Leaving the forest, Ning Rongrong parted ways with Qin Yuan and the others.

Before they separated, she said cheerfully, "You've made Rongrong very satisfied. Someone will deliver the books to you tomorrow."

Returning to camp, Qin Yuan didn't inform the members who had stayed behind about what happened in the forest.

After splitting the money, the vast camp emptied out, leaving only him and Chen Ze.

This was entirely normal. Many people didn't stick with a Soul Hunting Squad long-term; most joined temporarily when they were short on cash, then left as soon as they earned enough.

"Boss, we've got some money now. How about we quit this Soul Hunting Squad gig?" Chen Ze suggested.

Today's incident wasn't their first. Every time they risked their necks, who could guarantee luck would always favor them?

Qin Yuan didn't answer right away.

At the same time, a system panel appeared in his mind.

[Two-star commission completed. Reward: Spirit Power increased by three levels.]

[Name: Qin Yuan]

[Martial Soul: Long-Handled War Blade]

[Cultivation: Level 54]

A warm current surged into his body, and Qin Yuan clearly sensed his strength had grown significantly.

Without the system, having made this much money in one go, Qin Yuan would definitely have switched careers.

But now, to earn the system's rewards, he had to accept commissions. Of course, he didn't have to take only hunting commissions; other types were also an option.

"We can't throw away our bread and butter, but for a while, we can take it easy. No need to push so hard."

As he spoke, a figure approached them from a distance.

Qin Yuan felt a flicker of doubt and waved for Chen Ze to go ask.

Chen Ze stepped forward and explained, "Sorry, our team is disbanded. We're not accepting any commissions for now."

The newcomer didn't retreat. Instead, he greeted them with a smile.

Qin Yuan frowned slightly, but relaxed when he saw the man was dressed in Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect attire.

The man introduced himself as Ning Tie, sent on behalf of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

In the meeting room.

Ning Tie took a deed from his Soul Tool. "On behalf of the Sect Master, I thank your team for obtaining a suitable spirit ring for Miss Rongrong."

"This shop is the Sect Master's reward to you. Of course, you only have usage rights—you cannot sell or sublease it to others."

To the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, such a small favor meant nothing.

But it wasn't over. Ning Tie pulled out another document from his Soul Tool and said with a smile, "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect holds talent like Mr. Qin Yuan in high regard. If you're willing, you can take this document anytime and report to the Sect's field team."

"On behalf of the Sect Master and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, I welcome someone of Mr. Qin Yuan's caliber to join us."

Qin Yuan shook his head and declined the invitation. "As for the shop, please thank Sect Master Ning for me. As for joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, I have no such plans for now. People like us are too used to being free to submit to others' control. Of course, I appreciate the Sect Master's invitation, but it's just not the right time."

Ning Tie wasn't offended. He placed the invitation on the tea table and rose to leave. "No matter. This invitation stands indefinitely. Mr. Qin Yuan can consider it later."

The next morning.

Qin Yuan and Chen Ze arrived at the shop provided by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

It was located on a busy street with heavy foot traffic. Even running a small business here would be enough to secure Qin Yuan and Chen Ze a worry-free life for the rest of their days.

Having lived two lives, Qin Yuan did want a more stable existence. But with his omniscient perspective, he couldn't help feeling unwilling to leave no mark on the continent.

He pushed open the shop's door. The interior had been tidied up, looking brand new.

The books Ning Rongrong had promised to lend were already placed on the counter inside.

Chen Ze said with a grin, "Boss, I've always wanted to open a little general store back in our village. Never had the chance before, you know? What do you think?"

Qin Yuan thought for a moment and agreed.

The two had grown up together in the village and studied at the same elementary Soul Master Academy.

After drifting for so long, he couldn't let his own ambitions hold back the people around him.

With his approval, Chen Ze went off to busy himself.

Qin Yuan sat idly in front of the shop, a sign reading "Accepting Commissions" placed beside him.

In any case, milking the system for rewards was the top priority.

Autumn had arrived, the weather turning slightly cool.

The light of the setting sun spilled across his face like ink wash, and Qin Yuan leaned back in his chair, gazing at the street scene.

Throughout the day, many had come to him about renting shop space, but few had discussed commissions.

Of course, plenty of people had approached him, but they were all trivial matters that didn't even meet the system's task threshold.

As dusk fell, just as he was about to pack up, a figure hurried over.

"Wait, can you accept my commission?"

The newcomer was a girl of about ten years old, with a sharp cut of dark green short hair and heterochromatic pupils—unusual for an ordinary person.

"What matter?" Qin Yuan had a guess about her identity.

The girl took a deep breath and quickly asked, "Can you take on any commission?"

After receiving an affirmative answer, she continued, "Can you help me retrieve someone? Her identity is special, and she'll be pursued along the way. I need you to bring her to Heaven Dou City."

Qin Yuan inquired, "Who are you, and who do you want me to bring from where to Heaven Dou City? What's the reward?"

The girl spoke quickly, "My name is Dugu Yan. I'm a student at Heaven Dou Royal Academy. I need you to bring Ye Lingling from Silvis City to Heaven Dou Royal Academy."

When it came to the reward, she looked troubled.

She didn't want to mention her grandfather's name and cause him to owe a favor for no reason. But she wasn't wealthy and couldn't offer a suitable reward.

After thinking it over, she took several medicinal herbs from her Soul Tool.

"These are Healing Medicine, of good quality. Would this be acceptable?"

Dugu Yan.

Qin Yuan smiled inwardly.

He had waited outside Sunset Forest for a long time without spotting Dugu Bo and his granddaughter.

But after accepting Ning Rongrong's commission, his luck had turned.

Still, he wouldn't act too obvious.

"Healing Medicine is indeed a solid currency, but if I go to retrieve someone, why would they come with me? You'll at least need to give me a token of trust and some convincing words."